Beyond the Archives Grant

The 2025 Beyond the Archives Grant, offered by HumanitiesDC as part of the DC Oral History Collaborative (DCOHC), supports projects that bring Washington, DC’s oral history collections into public view through innovative humanities programming. The application period runs from December 10, 2024, to February 18, 2025, at 5:59 PM. Projects must take place between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, with a maximum award of $12,000. Eligible applicants include DC-based individuals, community groups, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Projects must focus on Washington, DC, benefit its residents, and use existing oral history collections. Activities may include exhibitions, performances, films, websites, lesson plans, or public events, but the grant does not cover the cost of collecting new oral histories. Each project must feature a humanities scholar or community expert to guide its development and implementation. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including project feasibility, public engagement, community impact, and budget clarity. Successful projects should be inclusive, equitable, and accessible, culminating in a publicly consumable final product. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the goals of highlighting local histories and fostering public interest. Grant recipients must document all expenses and submit an interim report by October 15, 2025, and a final report by May 30, 2026. Funds must be used exclusively for direct program costs, and any changes to the scope or budget require prior approval. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted, but no more than 10% of the award may go toward a fiscal sponsor’s administrative fees. HumanitiesDC offers resources such as information sessions, workshops, and one-on-one support to guide applicants. Applications are submitted online through the HumanitiesDC grants portal. Approved applicants will receive full funding at the start of the project, subject to the availability of funds, and are expected to comply with all grant requirements for successful closeout and future eligibility.